10 Tips from a 10-Time London Marathon Runner

10 Tips from a 10-Time London Marathon Runner

By Haroon Mota, Founder of Muslim Runners

It’s Race Week, the moment we’ve all been building towards.

Whether this is your first marathon or your tenth, this week can feel overwhelming. As someone who’s run the London Marathon 10 times, I’ve learned a lot along the way, not just about running, but about staying grounded, moving with intention, and connecting with community.

Here are my top 10 tips to guide you through the final stretch.

1. Don’t Get Carried Away

London Marathon Race Week is buzzing; brand activations, shakeout runs, community meetups, and the marathon expo. It’s easy to get swept up in it all.

But here’s the truth: less time on your feet = more energy for race day.
You don’t need to attend every event. You don’t need to visit the expo more than once (unless you really need to). Pick up your bib, enjoy the moment, then rest up.

2. Connect with Community (But Keep It Balanced)

Race Week can feel intimidating, but when you’re surrounded by others on the same journey, it becomes uplifting.

Join our Muslim Runners Race Week Activations, link up at our shakeout runs, connect through our WhatsApp groups, and know that you’re not alone.

👉 Explore Our Race Week Events →

3. Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is one of the best tools in your prep.
Aim for 8 hours per night in the days leading up to the race. Even if nerves kick in the night before (they will), having rested earlier in the week will make a big difference.

4. Carb Load Smart

You don’t need to carb-load for five days, that’s a myth.
Instead, focus on clean, familiar carbs in the final 2 days, stay hydrated, and drink electrolytes starting the day before the race. Eat to fuel, not to feel stuffed.

5. Get Your Name on Your Vest (or T-Shirt!)

This might be the smallest tip, but it has a huge impact.
Hearing the crowd shout your name can give you a massive boost when your legs are fading.

6. Trim Your Toenails (No, Really)

You’d be surprised how many people suffer mid-race because of this.
Trim and file your toenails a few days before race day. A sharp edge or long nail can cause bruising, pain, or worse, and nobody wants that.

7. Stick to What You Know

Race day is not the time for new gels, new kit, or those funky electrolyte drinks from the expo.

Stick with what worked in training. Don’t change your routine. Run in your trusted gear. Your body knows what to expect, don’t throw in surprises.

8. Invite Your Friends and Family to Cheer You On

The London Marathon crowd is amazing.
But hearing your people scream your name on the sidelines? That’s unmatched.

Share your bib number, pace estimate, and cheer spots. And if they’re unsure where to go, tell them to head to Mile 25 where Muslim Runners will be bringing the energy at our cheer station!

9. Fuel Yourself with Du’a and Sadaqah

We believe that du’a (supplication) is the weapon of the believer.
Make intention. Pray for ease, safety, and success. And on race morning, give sadaqah, it’s a powerful way to start the day and ask Allah to protect you from harm.

10. Fundraising: Start Now, or Keep Pushing

Not fundraising? It’s not too late.
Find a cause close to your heart, or join our team and give your miles extra meaning.

Already fundraising? Amazing. Don’t stop now.
Raise your target. Share your page again. Keep going.

Because when it gets tough out there, and it will, knowing your miles are changing lives gives you another reason to push through.

Support or join our Muslim Runners campaign for Charity Right UK, feeding children in Palestine and beyond. We’ve already raised over £60,000 and counting.
👉 Donate or Join the Team →

Bonus Tip: Read the Race Guide!

This isn’t one of the 10, but it might be the most practical tip of all:

READ the official London Marathon Race Guide.

It answers everything; wave times, what to bring, bag drop, station info, where to go, where to finish, and how to get home.

I’m always surprised by how many runners message me with questions that are all clearly laid out in the guide.

Avoid unnecessary stress by preparing properly — confidence comes from clarity.

Final Thoughts

Whether I see you at our shakeout run, the Mile 25 cheer station, or the post-race celebration dinner, know that I’m proud of you.

You’ve trained hard. You’ve shown up. You’re doing something incredible.

Let’s make this week meaningful.
Let’s make those miles count.
Let’s run with purpose.

Haroon Mota
Founder, Muslim Runners
10x London Marathon Finisher